The Deeds Of An Extremely Arrogant Villain Aristocrat

Chapter 50: Act of Adventurers

Slash!! HaHaStill, its no good. Luke at that time was much better

Somehow, I can sense the difference. But its not the same. Lukes swordsmanship is on another level. Even though I was just observing from a distance, seeing it, I couldnt tear my eyes away from his sword, I couldnt help but admire it

Ha Ha

My vision blurred momentarily, and I stumbled slightly with dizziness. My body feels heavy. My swordsmanship has dulled considerably.

I think Ive reached my limit no, just a little more. Lets push a little more harder

Ill never catch up if I dont push myself beyond my limits And I finally understand. You always show me the way, Luke.

Ive always sensed this power within me, but couldnt quite grasp it. It felt somehow different from magic, but I couldnt be sure.

After witnessing Lukes technique and experiencing it firsthand, it finally became clear. Through rigorous training with my master, pushing myself to my limits, this power has grown.

The power is definitely there. I can feel it. But I still cant fully control it.

Ill definitely prove that I can master it too

Abel.

A familiar voice called my name from behind.

This is the training ground attached to the guild, so it wouldnt be unusual for anyone to be here. But it was a voice I knew very well.

Lily? Whats wrong?

Its the first time Ive seen Lily wear such a hesitant expression. Shes usually straightforward and doesnt hold back when she has something to say. But this time, she seemed uncertain. I couldnt figure out why.

So, as I tried to catch my breath after training, I patiently waited for her to continue speaking.

I probably shouldnt say this kind of thing. But I want you to listen.

I couldnt comprehend what Lily was trying to convey.

What I want to say is Abel, you cant become Luke.

Eh?

As soon as I heard those words, my heart skipped a beat. It felt like it was being squeezed tightly.

I know you admire Luke. A lot, in fact. But trying to follow the same path at the same pace as him doesnt seem like a good idea. Im sorry for bringing this up so suddenly but

She was right.

I do admire Luke. I have no intention of hiding it. He has always surpassed my wildest imagination.

Hes the epitome of absolute strength and victory for me, not just my mentor or Brad-Sensei but Luke.

From my perspective, my mentor and Brad-Sensei were incredibly formidable, to the point where I couldnt fathom their abilities.

But for some reason you, Luke, are still the embodiment of absolute strength and victory to me.

Youve been pushing yourself too hard ever since you met Luke at Aslan Magic Academy. I know how amazing you are, Abel. You were accepted into the best school in the country, even though you couldnt use attribute magic. Thats truly impressive. But regarding Luke Im sorry. If you keep pushing yourself like this, I feel like youll break at some point, and I

Haha.

Im such a fool.

I finally understand what Lily was trying to convey.

She was genuinely concerned about me, carefully choosing her words to avoid accidentally hurting me, to protect me.

Im truly blessed.

Its been this way all along. I was rescued in that village and raised by people who loved me. I found a mentor who guided me, and made friends who genuinely cared about me. And Luke, my irreplaceable friend who strides ahead of me. Hes so close that I can almost touch him if I try to reach my goal.

Haha, can I truly have all of this?

Thats why I yearn for it even more. The power to protect this treasure Ive received and so I would never lose it again

Thank you, Lily. Thank you for caring about me.

W-what?! Im not caring about you or anything! I just thought it would be inconvenient if something were to happen to you.

Lily is truly kind after all.

Even though Im just a commoner, she treats me as an equal. Thats something I shouldnt take for granted.

But its okay. I wont break.

Huh?

I can only do my best, but I tend to push myself too hard. Someday, Ill become strong enough to protect you too but maybe Im trying too hard to be cool. Hahaha.

I laughed to cover up my embarrassment.

But there were no lies in my words. I simply couldnt believe that tomorrow would be as vague and unchanged as today. Injustice can strike suddenly. Thats why I must become stronger to be always ready.

Wa-wawawa.

Hmm, whats wrong, Lily?

When Lily didnt respond to my words and I looked at her, she was staring absentmindedly at me. And then

You stupid rude, insolent fool!! I dont find you cool at all!! Not even a little bit, aaahhh!!

Lily suddenly shouted and ran off from the training ground. I was left all alone.

The training ground felt unusually quiet.

Ah, um in times like this, what would Luke do?

Thinking about What would Luke do? has become a recent habit of mine when facing difficult challenges. But at this moment, I could only imagine Luke, who would be just as confused as I was.

My village is not far from this city, and the rumors of dragon hunting have already spread sigh.

Well, thats not surprising, considering what a feat it was. But why are you making that face?

Mockel and Zach.

As the sun began to set, the two A-rank adventurers were quietly drinking in the bar inside the adventurers guild.

All five of my younger brothers admire you. Red, the second youngest who wants to become an adventurer, keeps asking me to introduce him to the dragon hunter just once, so please.

Hahaha, thats quite the predicament Dont you dare ask me.

Hey Zach, were peers, right? We became adventurers almost at the same time, didnt we? You wont abandon me, will you?

The day I first brought Luke-sama to the adventurers guild says otherwise. I thought we were comrades, but I was abandoned by everyone here that day. I havent forgotten about that.

.

Mockel couldnt find any words to respond. When Luke suddenly asked to join Zachs party, he did look away. Unable to say anything in return, he could only glare and drink the ale that was poured into his glass.

Absolutely. Why do they all aspire to be heroes?

What do you mean?

So, you know, I think that anyone who wants to become an adventurer should first consider the possibility that I might not be special. Its not uncommon for people to lose their lives unexpectedly when facing dangerous monsters for the first time. Learning from experience is too slow. Being an adventurer as a profession is

No, Mockel. Thats just the perspective of a tired old man whos already seen too much reality. Everyone at first aspires to be a hero and thinks, I can do it! and so becomes an adventurer. Someone who thinks, I may not be special or has such a self-deprecating mindset would never become an adventurer in the first place.

Hmph, you have a point there, Zach.

Its not just a point, its more than that.

Zach and Mockel are both leaders of their A-rank adventurer party. As they started out at the same time, they were conscious of each other and often clashed. But now that theyre both over thirty, theyve become more mature and have somehow become friends who drink together.

Because they are in the same position as party leaders, they inevitably share similar experiences and struggles, which is why they can empathize with each other and enjoy drinking together.

Furthermore, although neither of them would ever admit it, old friends like these are invaluable to those who are in a profession like adventurers, where life is not guaranteed tomorrow.

Well, I understand what youre saying.

See? I think the most important thing for adventurers is the sense of smell for escaping.'

Hey Mockel, spare me. Ive heard that story five thousand times. Every time we drink, you tell the same story.

Ah, its okay. When you think its dangerous, youre already running away. Thats the most important thing. But stupid people who think theyre special hesitate to run away. Their pride gets in the way. Adventurers misunderstand and confuse courage with recklessness, thinking they have to stand up and fight. But its too late for that once they realize so. You wont get anything out of it if you die.

Yes, yes, thats right. Hey, Miss! One order of giant lizard tempura, please!

Yes, sir! One order of Lizard-Tempura!

Zach. You should watch out for greasy food. It might come back to haunt you tomorrow.

Mockel, mind your own business. Ill eat what I want.

Gradually, the tavern began to come alive as adventurers trickled in. Their days tasks were completed, and now it was time to replenish their energy for tomorrow.

I think the reason why a commoner like me could reach the A-rank is because I always set up this sensor to detect danger. Oh, do you remember? When Luke-sama gave that hellish request to the guild for the first time?

I cant forget it even if I wanted to.

I sensed it then too. It seemed like a bad request, but I took it anyway and it traumatized me. I shouldnt have been so blinded by money. Purgatory ended up disbanding despite the Guild Masters persuasions.

Cant do anything about it. Without Al-san, I might have been back in the village doing farm work by now.

Was it really that bad? Well, Im not surprised. Hes the Dragon Hunter after all.

Even so, Luke-sama was only around ten years old at the time, you know? Its just too much sigh. Feels like such a long time ago.

Hahaha, I remember

Aaaaaahhh!! You idiot Abel!!

Suddenly, a scream echoed through the tavern.

Zach and Mockel turned to look and saw a blonde girl with an air that didnt quite fit in with the adventurers running out of the guild. It was Lily. they wondered, Huh? Whats going on?

That girl is oh, shes one of the two people who recently came from the capital

W-wait, Lily! Uh, sorry for the trouble!

Abel, who had arrived a little late, bowed apologetically and hurriedly chased after Lily.

Come to think of it, these kids seemed to know Luke-sama, Zach thought as he turned towards the table.

Zach, listen carefully. That black-haired kid. My runaway sensor reacted slightly. We should be careful.

What do you mean? He doesnt seem harmful at all.

No, dont be fooled. We should always be ready to run.

You seem to have a lot on your mind. Oh, look, here comes my order.

The two of them continued to enjoy their drinks in a good mood as the guild grew slightly noisy around them. But after about thirty minutes, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

The guild door swung open without any warning, and all eyes turned to see who had entered. Gasps filled the room as everyone recognized the person who had walked in.

Dahaha

You look good, Zach. 

Eh?

As soon as he heard the voice, Zach felt his brain shaken. The pleasant buzz from the alcohol vanished in an instant.

Ah Th-thank you, Luke-sama.

What, were you drinking alone?

Oh, no, I was with Moc Huh, wheres he?

Zach turned around to look for Mockel, but he was nowhere to be found. It was as if he had disappeared without a trace.

(That jerk! What the h**l does the sense of smell to escape even mean!? Damn it!)

Well, I just felt like drinking alone today

I see. Well, that doesnt matter. Its still a long way off, but Im going to the empire, and youre coming too. Got it?

Ah, I see. To the empire

Once again, Lukes words were completely disconnected. Zach thought it was like a natural disaster, but he couldnt say that.

Um For what purpose are we going to the empire?

Ill let you know later.

I see

Thats all for today. See you.

Yeah Later.

Luke turned on his heel and left the table where Zach was sitting. He opened the door to the guild and left.

Sigh Going to the empire is fine and all, but I have a bad feeling about this

Thinking about a future that didnt seem bright, Zach took a gulp of his drink.

Then he felt a hand on his shoulder.

When he turned around, he saw Mockel, who had somehow managed to retreat.

Zach, my senses is telling me to escape

You piece of c**p!!!

Bwah!

Zach smacked Mockel hard.

The adventurers around them cheered, Fight, fight!

This was just another scene among adventurers.

[Postscript]

Chapter 50.

A small milestone.

Thanks to everyone who always supports me, Ive been able to keep writing up until this point.

Thank you so much.

Currently, Im juggling creating short stories and working on book publication, so my updates are already slow and getting slower.

Im sorry.

I hope to have some more news about the book by the end of this month or early next month.

Im slow at writing, but Ill do my best.

Thank you for your continued support.